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Visit the Majestic Gold Buddha Dordenma on a Thimphu Guided Tour

Visit the Majestic Gold Buddha Dordenma on a Private Tour. While travelling towards Thimphu, the capital, you can see as you are entering the city your first glimpse of the stunning 69 foot Buddha Dordenma standing tall and proud on the hills above Thimphu. It makes you want to get there faster just to take him in his full glory.

The windy road taking you towards the Buddha is hard going if you're walking but worth it. Once there you feel like you are standing at the top of the world! The great Buddha has been placed as though he is overlooking the whole city of Thimphu.

The size is just astounding, and you feel like an ant standing next to him!The views down to the city are overwhelming, and I can understand why he was placed here, between the views, the skyline it's the most serene place to visit.

There is a chamber under you can enter, and it is filled with over 120,000 Buddha statues, and again it gives you a sense of peace visiting this great Buddha. Read More...

Beautifully Cultured and Unique Sightseeing Tour of Thimphu

The capital itself is so lovely to see considering it has over 150,000 inhabitants and yet no skyscrapers in sight! What you will see is beautiful traditional homes which make the city look even more magnificent. Thimphu is home to many temples and fortresses and fabulous little markets selling handmade textiles.

The majority of the locals are in traditional attire; it makes you love this place, even more, to see how much they adore their culture. The local Arts and Crafts are all made by the locals; their artistic skills are a crucial part of their culture. You can see the beautiful Bhutanese style everywhere.

Try and book a tour to Chittagong, Private Tour See the Scenery and Stay for the People, it is the second largest city and port in South Asia. Chittagong City is classed as the go-to place to arrange your travel documents and permits to explore this diverse part of the world.

Top Things to See and Do in Thimphu

Dochula Pass

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Dochula Pass is around a 45 mins drive out of Thimphu. The memorials are fabulous, and once you get to the top, the view of the Himalayan mountains are just breathtaking. There is a temple to visit as well with a small cafe for a cup of well-deserved tea. Best time to see this area is on a clear day with a guided sightseeing tour. A photographers dream come true you can take the most stunning photos from the top.

Buddha Dordenma

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Look at the Buddha statue from any angle; you will always feel he is looking at you with those very kind eyes.... bow before him and pray for your heart & soul not only for yourself but for the entire sentient beings for their well-being and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth...Excellent views, the stunning statue of Buddha and the calming spiritual experience. Well worth a guided tour. The central staircase and the marble flooring is still under construction.

Thimphu Chorten

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The Memorial Chorten was constructed by HM The 3rd King of Bhutan, but he passed away in the 70's, a little before he could begin the project. A few years later his mother The Queen Mother took upon herself to finish the project, and after it was called The Memorial Chorten.This place is now a hub of Spiritual activity, and most of the senior citizens, as well as all the religious people.

Motithang Takin Preserve

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If you have time, visit the Takin Preserve tour is a must! You can really get up close and personal and pet these strange creatures which are a mix of two species and cannot be found elsewhere .It is not a zoo, but an animal sanctuary solely for the "Takin", which is deemed as a mythical type creature, go and see them support the local efforts in preserving such a unique and cultural animal.

Thimpu Dzong

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The unique Dzong architecture of Bhutan on a sightseeing tour. On such a massive scale, with incredible wood carvings, with bright colours set off by the beautiful white, washed walls. The temple in the Dzong was stunning. Fabulous area to tour around and absorb the atmosphere and feel a sense of history. Situated atop a mountain in the beautiful valley, the mountains are stunning and looks absolutely breathtaking from a distance.

Phajoding Monastery

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The fantastic 3.5-hour climb through the thick forest is just excellent. It is very tiring, but worth every step you take on the trekking tour. If you love being part of nature, this is the place to visit, inside the temple; there is the famous statue for prayer and religious purposes. On a clear day, you can see the Himalayas and is breathtaking sight and also when you look down below at the city of Thimpu. Book a private tour today you will love it.

Simtokha Dzong

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The locals of Bhutan as it is the first Dzong in Bhutan built by the Zhabdrung, who was imperative for implementing the modern Bhutan. It is situated at the intersection of 3 dzongkhags. There is a steep flight of around 26 stairs from the car park to the level of the huge prayer wheel; it is said if you turn in a clockwise direction you will receive good luck. Lovely sweet smelling flowers at the dzong entrance make it an ideal opportunity for photographs. See the young monks chanting prayers of worship when

National Folk Heritage Museum

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Situated beside the Royal Textile Academy, this museum was built in 2001. The Folk Heritage Museum is a three-story, 19th-century home. The museum lets you see how the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle was, and see the artefacts from various homes. See the demonstration on how the local wine, which is called ARA, is made from rice. No photographs allowed within the museum. Visit the cafe and shop selling souvenirs outside the museum.

Choki Traditional Art School

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This is definitely worth taking a guided tour to see; the students are all from disadvantaged backgrounds are all given free entry to study at this art school to learn various crafts and trades. It has been funded by a wealthy local however they still need to rely on selling their local handicrafts which are incredibly cheap and beautiful. You can wander around and see the students in their classes. The amazing paintings and sculptures are truly unique.

Tango Buddhist Institute

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It says that any monks that have passed their education must go to finish their studies at the Institute. The monks are lovely and unfortunately, speak no English so go on a guided tour so the guide can ask them any questions on your behalf. The trek will take around 50 minutes to reach the top, and it is very relaxing and peaceful at the Institute. Shoes must be removed and no photographs allowed within the monastery.

Travel Tips for Thimphu

Best Time To Visit Thimphu

The beginning of the year especially January and February can be extremely cold with a chance of a heavy snowfall. October through to December would be the ideal time to visit as the skies are clear and the air is fresh and average temperatures are in the 60s. From April onwards the climate is pleasant and dry until June when the monsoon season starts and over three months up to a metre of torrential rain may fall.

Typical Costs in Thimphu

Tour packages have to be arranged in advance and prices are set by the Royal Government. They impose a minimum price to be paid in US dollars prior to arrival. As an example costs per person per night are $250 in March-May and September-November. This does, however, include accommodation, meals, taxes, guiding and all costs apart from personal expenses. More details can be found on their Tourism Council website. Guided tours are cheap and plentiful.

Know Before Visiting Thimphu

One very important thing to know before you book is that, unless you are invited as a personal guest by a Bhutanese, you need to be on a guided tour at all times. If you want to go off wandering on your own then this is not the country for you. Book Tours before you go. The Government sets these packets and prices and have a list of approved hotels etc. It includes everything except personal expenses and must be paid in advance of your trip and in US$ .

Weather in Thimphu

June to August are actually monsoon season in Bhutan when up to a metre of rain could fall and much of the landscape is covered by a thick cloud. The warmest weather can be found September to October and they are also the busiest when the valleys are in full bloom. November through to February can be extremely cold with even some snowfall in places. March to May have sunny days and pleasant temperatures although May can be quite a humid month.